The cold, hard truth is that Packers fans aren't what they once were. Extremely proactive in the 1990s, they have become more reactive after three decades of winning. Other than a playoff game or an occasional night game against an opponent that moves the needle, the fans no longer show up ready to create a special atmosphere at Lambeau. Most of the time, the team has to do something good on the field to get them out of their seats.

If there’s one thing that cornerback Jaire Alexander has made abundantly clear in the 18 or so months he’s been with the Green Bay Packers, it’s that he doesn’t lack for confidence. And that was on display yet again during a brief conversation Friday in the Packers’ locker room in advance of Sunday’s matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.